[Francis]

Hi all, I did a search but could not find anything that seemed to answer my question, so sorry if it has been done before.

My question is about what spark plug brands are most people using in there V8's.

See because I'm in Australia we sometimes don't get the full picture on how things really are in the USA. brands that get marketed as top quality USA products here can be know as cheap quality items there. So I thought I would seek as many comments about a few different brands of Spark plugs I have been wondering about. Mostly with the conventual copper core type.

1: Autolites? Are these considered a better plug? there hard to find in Australia, so that sort of makes them appear the better,more performance orientated plug. But after 1 or 2 comments I have seen around, I'm not sure on there position in the USA market.

2: AC Delcos? These are also hard to find and know as a better plug. I cant seem to find anyone that's used the Rapid-fire plug to comment if there was a major difference or not.

3:Champion. What's the go with these plugs. back in the 70's and 80's there wasn't a race engine that didn't have a Champion sticker on the side. Then something must of happened, because no one over here really uses them anymore. Are they still a good plug?


Thanks so much.

Francis.

[2-manytoyzs]

AC Delco, Ford Motorcraft, and Bosch are my favorites. Last a long time and wont crack on installation. Your cheaper brands, like champion, are a much poorer quality. I've seen champions crack when your tighten them if your wrench inst perfectly straight when installing, and thats not always possible to do.
You get done with a tune up and the engine has a miss. Check it with a scope and identify the cyl, pull the plug and you find a hairline crack. Done that too many times. Autolites are not as bad as champions, but still too many problems.

[jimfulco]

I've been using Champions since the mid-'60s with no problems specific to the brand. I have Autolites in my Ford because that's what came in it & they're still working after 145,000 miles. Due to problems in the past, I wouldn't voluntarily use an AC plug for any reason, well maybe to plug a hose or something.

[Francis]

There seems to be a few comments made that since Fram and Autoilte joined, the Autolite plugs aren't any good.

That's the first negative comment I have heard towards ACDelco, so far.

Also Ford Motorcraft in Aust are re-branded Champion plugs, not there own.

[1970CamARo(327)]

When chevy tested there engins They used AC delco plugs didnt they? so wouldnt it be better to run the plug it was Made to run with?

[Siggy_Freud]

In my experience sticking with factory recommended plugs has served me best. In my 350 I have used Ac-Delco, Bosh, autolite, and NGK.

I actually prefer the NGK over any of them followed closely by the Ac-Delco. But as you can tell everyone has their personal preference. Given Fram's history and quality combined with that of Autolites I tend to steer clear of them. Same with splitfires (which I believe are autolite made as well).

[oldschoolrods]

I put a set of AC Delco double platinums in my cavalier after running the factory double platinums til about 115k they seem to work great, tommorow I plan to change the plugs in my truck to the bosch double platinums. Will post my opinion after driving it.

[jimfulco]

Originally posted by 1970CamARo(327)
When chevy tested there engins They used AC delco plugs didnt they? so wouldnt it be better to run the plug it was Made to run with?

Sounds reasonable, but if it runs better and longer with something else....

[78 monte]

I use AC Delco only in my SBC motors.
I use Champion in my Dodge shadow and old dodge truck I used to have.
I was allways taught and belive
Delco in GM
Champion in mopar
Ford doesn't matter cause they won't start in the winter anyway.

[crazy larry]

Monte, your Volvo is now a ford. yes it is. i guess it's a good thing it has a sbc?

i run autolites in all of my motors. never had any trouble.

only other plug i've used is a bosch in a vw pancake.

[TurboS10]

I have always used AC Delco with no problems. I cant remember the code, but they make a heavy duty type plug with fat electrode that I am running in the turbo engine. They look like a much more robust plug to me and are designed for more severe duty. Of course they cost about twice as much as well.

Chris

[87442lover]

Splitfire

[UnixKid]

I use AC Delco because they're cheap and i have never had a problem with them.

[bullheimer]

IN my sbc's i only have ever and only will ever run...
Autolite i hate champion. autolites seem to always last forever and last week i paid $1.19 for them at Napa. 13/16's #303 in my 71 truck engine. i dont know if i put 5/8" in my 72 camaro but big or small autolite has never let me down

[snod83]

I have heard that the extra eletrode type plugs like splitfire and a few others, are prone to getting extremely hot and the electrodes breaking off in the cylindar. I have always used AC delco in my chevy's, but I have tried autolite and did not have a good experience... I recently put the shorty accel plugs in my nova and I haven't noticed any problems yet.

Ryan